Before Stephen Curry transformed the game with his jaw-dropping 3-point skills, elite sharpshooters were few and far between. Enter Dale Ellis, a name that echoed through the basketball courts of the 1990s. Once regarded as the league’s finest outside shooter, Ellis wielded his long-range arsenal with deadly precision, making a significant mark in the game.
The 3-Point Wars: How Dale Ellis Set the Stage for Stephen Curry
Naturally, comparisons between Ellis and Curry are inevitable. In a daring interview a decade ago, when posed with the question of who would win in a shooting contest, Ellis didn’t flinch. He confidently asserted, “I can’t run the court like Stephen Curry, but put me on that line, and I’ll outshoot him all day.” Such boldness only ignites curiosity about the legacy of a player who was once hailed as the ultimate sharpshooter.
Ellis’s respect for Curry is palpable. He admires the way Steph seamlessly connects with the basket, hitting improbable shots that leave fans breathless. Yet, the “Silent Assassin” wasn’t just a spectator in this league of shooting stars. In his prime, Ellis was a scoring machine, excelling in both catch-and-shoot situations and creating his own shot off the dribble.
His standout season came in 1988-89, when he averaged a staggering 27.5 points per game, earning his only All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA third team. He even claimed victory in the 3-point contest that season. However, the shadows of off-court troubles, including issues with alcohol and conflicts with teammates, dimmed what could have been an even more illustrious career.
Despite these setbacks, Ellis’s contributions to the game remain significant. He was a trailblazer, becoming the first player to surpass 1,000 3-pointers in the 1993-94 season. At that time, he held the title of all-time leader in 3-point shots made—a thrilling contest that saw him vie closely with Reggie Miller during the 1997-98 season. Although Miller ultimately took the crown, followed by Ray Allen and, eventually, Curry, Ellis had already laid the groundwork for future sharpshooters.
Ellis retired in 2000, ranked second in all-time 3-pointers, but time has not been kind. His 1,719 career makes have now placed him 33rd on the all-time list. However, one can’t help but wonder—had he played in today’s game, with its emphasis on the long-range shot, would Ellis have soared to the top, challenging Curry for supremacy?
As the NBA continues to evolve, the legacy of Dale Ellis serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the three-point shot. He may not wear the crown today, but his influence lingers, inspiring a new generation of shooters who dare to take the shot beyond the arc. The journey from Ellis to Curry showcases not just a change in technique, but a revolution in how basketball is played.
Comments